7th Grade Math with Mr.

Dorrel 2015-2016
Course Description
Seventh grade math is an in-depth study of mathematical concepts as outlined by the Alaska state standards adopted by the state in
2012. In seventh grade math, there is an emphasis on proportions, rational numbers, geometry, and sample populations. Students will
be:
! Developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships.
! Developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations.
! Solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional
shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
! Drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

Materials List

To learn the content, we will use an assigned textbook Go Math that is available in print for the classroom and digital copy for
home. Students will be assigned practice problems to facilitate student understanding. Laptop computers and iPads will be used for
the completion of a variety of activities.

Student Supplies
Students will need the following basic supplies every day of class:
! 1 Student Planner to record assignments and as a restroom pass (can be purchased for $5 at the office)
! One three-ring binder that does not need to be devoted entirely to math. One section in a larger binder is sufficient.
! Loose leaf notebook paper
! 1 college-ruled notebook for note taking only
! # 2 pencils
! OPTIONAL: Scientific calculator (I will provide a class set for in class work.)

Assignments/Homework
Students will have practice assignments that will aid in the understanding of mathematics topics they are exploring in the classroom.
We will begin working on this in class so students can have immediate feedback. Students should spend no more than 25 FOCUSED
minutes working on math homework at home. If a student is unable to finish the assignment with FOCUSED attention please have an
adult caregiver write a note explaining what seems to be causing the difficulty so that I may provide additional support.
Assignments, tests, and important dates are posted in the classroom and on the class website. Students are required to copy this
information into their daily planner. In addition, the classs Weebly website will contain a brief review of the topic covered in class and
any homework assignments. The assignments will also be available digitally at the students my.hrw.com account.

Student Work (Practice work)

Student work will be returned as soon as possible. All class work is practice for the assessments, so homework will be an opportunity
for students to learn and master concepts before the assessments. Scores will be posted on Power School regularly to help students
and their families assess the students progress. Please familiarize yourself with Power School since I post clarification notes and
comments in student grades frequently.
All student notes will be kept in a single subject college-ruled notebook and work will be kept in a 3-ring math binder that contains only
math materials. The notebook will serve as an aid in completing work and reviewing for tests. Students are expected to complete all
math work in pencil.

Participation
Students will be expected to be in class working on the starter by the time the bell rings. The starter will introduce students to the
lesson for the day and will also be part of their practice work assignment. We will then go over questions from the previous days
practice work, or homework, so students can make any needed corrections prior to turning in the work for a grade. I will then go over
any questions from the graded work from the previous day, and students will also be able to turn that in for an improved grade. As we

7th Grade Math with Mr. Dorrel 2015-2016

move into the next lesson, students will be expected to take notes in their single subject notebook. I will model how to do this on the
document camera. Students will need these to help with practice work at home and to help study for tests. Students will spend the
remainder of class working on practice work. If they finish all their work before the end of class, they will be expected to either read a
book or do work for another class.

Late/Missing Work
Every student is responsible for turning in homework on the day that it is collected. Even if the student has forgotten his or her
homework he/she is responsible for turning in a homework notification paper. The homework notification paper explains why the
student did not have his or her homework to turn in and a contact number for a parent or guardian. Mr. Dorrel will email or call parents
and guardians to notify of missing and incomplete assignments after two submitted Homework Notification Forms in order to prevent
future issues. These papers are collected by Mr. Dorrel and mailed home every three weeks and will be documented in PowerSchool
under the notes section.
Late practice work will be accepted but students will be unable to ask questions prior to turning in their work and make corrections the
following day when I cover incorrect problems. Students will miss out on being able to make corrections both times prior to turning in
their work for homework credit. Daily assignments will be posted in the room and on the class Weebly website.
*Repeated cases of failure to complete homework will result in the need for a student/guardian/teacher meeting and a formal plan of
improvement.

Absent Work
It is extremely important that your child is in school on time every day. School attendance is critical to maximize success. Work can be
given for all absences whether pre-arranged or otherwise. I appreciate at least a 48-hour notice of pre-arranged absence to have
ample time to prepare possible alternate assignments. Please let us (teachers and office) know as soon as possible if your child will be
gone, and we have the utmost understanding for unplanned absences.
If a student is absent due to illness, any missed handouts will be accessible on your students my.hrw.com account and on the class
Weebly website. It is the students responsibility to check the class website and their account to access the notes from the folder as
well as complete any assignments. If work is provided before an absence takes place, the work is expected back the day the student
returns to school to be reflected in Power School. If work is provided after an absence, the student has the number of days that he or
she was absent to turn in the work.

Grading Criteria
Purpose: Scores reflect level of skill and knowledge demonstrated, not quantity of points accumulated. Overall grade is determined by
80% of assessment score averages and 20% of practice work averages. Assessments include module and unit tests*. Practice work
includes assignments, and in-class demonstrations of knowledge.
*Students will have options to improve a low assessment grade by making arrangements with me to improve their grade through an
oral or written retake.

5-STRONG- Work at this level exceeds the standard. It shows a thorough and effective application of the knowledge and
skills.

4-PROFICIENT- Work at this level meets that standard. It demonstrates application of essential knowledge and skills. Minor
errors do not detract from the overall quality.
3-DEVELOPING- Work at this level shows basic, but inconsistent, application of the knowledge and skills. Errors detract from
the overall quality of the work.
2-EMERGING- Work at this level shows a partial application of the knowledge and skills. It is fragmented or incomplete and
needs considerable development.
1-BEGINNING- Work at this level shows little or no application of the knowledge and skills. It contains major errors and
omissions.
GRADE CORROLATION on the following page

7th Grade Math with Mr. Dorrel 2015-2016

GRADE CORROLATION*
Description
Cutoff
Traditional
Skill Level
5
100%
A+
STRONG
4.5
90%
A
PROFICIENT/STRONG
4
80%
B
PROFICIENT
3.5
70%
C
DEVELOPING/PROFICIENT
3
60%
D
DEVELOPING
2.5
50%
F
EMERGING/DEVELOPING
2
40%
F
EMERGING
1.5
30%
F
BEGINNING/EMERGING
1
20%
F
BEGINNING
*Scores may be modified to reflect IEP/Language Acquisition Skill Level.

Classroom Expectations
The North Pole Middle Schools handbook addresses policies for dress, conduct, electronic devices, and other school-wide
expectations. In addition to these expectations, in Mr. Dorrels class students are expected to:
Arrive on time with all materials.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
Follow directions first time given.
Stay on task during all activities.
For students that choose not to uphold the expectations*:
Level 1: Gentle Reminder
Level 2: Individual reminder
Level 3: Second individual reminder or see me
Level 4: Lunch Detention
Level 5: Time out I (goes to in-class time out area and completes think sheet)
Level 6: Time out II (goes to alternate room to complete think sheet)
Level 7: Parent Contact
Level 8: Referral
*If the behavior is severe, the student will immediately be sent to the office with a referral to meet with an administrator.

Honor Code:
An honor system will be in effect at all times. Students are expected to follow the guiding principles that define honorable, trustworthy
behavior. Plagiarism or copying someone elses work is very serious. Copied work or cheating on a test or quiz will result in an
automatic zero (per the school handbook), a student conference with Mr. Dorrel, a call home, and an office referral. This includes
copying another students answers, wandering eyes, giving answers, talking or using cheat sheets. You should always do your own
work.

Communication and Contact Information

I encourage communication if you have questions, concerns, or would like ideas to help your student. My preferred
method of contact is via email. I will respond within 48 hours Monday through Friday during school hours. Please feel
free to contact me if you would like to volunteer in the classroom, and I look forward to working with you and your
student this year!

Charles Dorrel
North Pole Middle School Math Teacher
Room: 222
Telephone: 488-2271 ext. 40222 (7:30-7:45 AM or after 2:30 PM)
Email: charles.dorrel@k12northstar.org
Web site: dorrel.weebly.com!
!